On the Philadelphia Flyers …
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Vincent Lecavalier is still hopeful that the Flyers will be able to trade him before his career is over. He hasn’t played since November 15th.
“It’s obviously been tough,” Lecavalier said. “But at the same time, I’m not going to the rink pissed off every day. I mean, I’m not playing, there’s nothing else you need to say. The only thing I can control is just how hard I practice and how ready I am for when either I come back into the lineup or if something happens with a trade or something like that.”
It’s in the best interest of the Flyers if they can move on from Lecavalier. Lecavalier has two years left at a $4.5 million cap hit ($3 million salary), which is scaring teams. LeBrun thinks that if a trade can’t be worked out, Lecavalier and his agent Kent Hughes could consider terminating his contract (similar to what Alex Semin did earlier this year) and hope to sign a team at a reduced salary.
“The only chance he has is to take a big pay cut and become a good third- or fourth-line player,” said one Western Conference NHL scout via text Tuesday.
On the Nashville Predators …
- The Fourth Period: Predators GM David Poile continues to explore his trade options for a top line forward. He’s been looking for a center. Multiple sources saying they are keeping a close eye on several players, but nothing appears to be imminent.The Predators have been linked to the Sharks Patrick Marleau, Oilers Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Blue Jackets Ryan Johansen. Marleau has a no-movement clause, but reports are the Predators could be one of the teams he’d consider waiving it for.Poile has said that he won’t trade Shea Weber, Roman Josi or Seth Jones. Mattias Ekholm and Ryan Ellis could be used as trade bait.
On the Washington Capitals …
- Mike Vogel: (answering question on with Brooks Orpik and Jay Beagle out for awhile, will the Capitals make a trade? – asks about Kris Russell and Joe Colborne) It’s hard for teams like the Capitals to make trades due to being up against the salary cap ceiling. The Flames are one point out of the playoffs and they could use a goalie.